Saint Charles Borromeo Adminstering the Communion to the Plague Stricken c. 17th century

Editor: This is Jean Audran's "Saint Charles Borromeo Adminstering the Communion to the Plague Stricken." It's a somber scene, and the stark contrasts in the printmaking really amplify the suffering. What can you tell me about the role of art in depicting such events? Curator: This print highlights the public role of art during times of crisis. Consider how images like this, disseminated widely, shaped perceptions of charity and religious authority. Did Audran aim to console, to instruct, or perhaps to reinforce the Church's power? Editor: That's interesting! I hadn't thought about the power dynamics. Curator: Examining the composition, how does the arrangement of figures and the use of light contribute to the overall narrative and its socio-political implications? Editor: It really makes you think about the message being conveyed. Curator: Exactly. Art isn't just aesthetic; it's a powerful tool in shaping public opinion and reinforcing societal structures. Editor: Thanks, I'll never look at historical art the same way again!